Willie D -- one-third of the Geto Boys -- was arrested Wednesday for alleged wire fraud. Born Willie James Dennis, the rapper turned businessman was apprehended by federal authorities at Bush Intercontinental Airport. According to US Attorney Tim Johnson, Dennis was charged in connection "with his purported sales of iPhones through a company known as Texas One Wireless."
Dennis allegedly pretended to be an electronic salesman, using Ebay to sell the phones internationally. Once a customer showed interested in purchasing an iPhone, Dennis directed them to complete the sale through email correspondence. After customers transferred the funds into his bank account they were sent tracking numbers but never actually received the phones.
After receiving several complaints, Dennis informed customers that the "mix-up" was not his fault and that he filed claims with the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, he told them that he was unable to process their refund until he was able to track down the merchandise. Eventually Dennis would cut off all correspondence with customers and pocket their money. The investigation into the wire fraud began after a disgruntled customer contacted law enforcement.
Best known as a member of the Houston-based group, Willie D started Relentless Music Ventures in 2006. If convicted, D faces up to 20 years in prison plus a $250,000 fine.
{source} Geto Boys' Willie D Faces 20 Years in Prison for iPhone Scam - The Boombox Music Blog box.com%2F2009%2F05%2F15%2Fgeto-boys-willie-d-faces-20-years-in-prison-for-iphone-scam%2F
Dennis allegedly pretended to be an electronic salesman, using Ebay to sell the phones internationally. Once a customer showed interested in purchasing an iPhone, Dennis directed them to complete the sale through email correspondence. After customers transferred the funds into his bank account they were sent tracking numbers but never actually received the phones.
After receiving several complaints, Dennis informed customers that the "mix-up" was not his fault and that he filed claims with the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, he told them that he was unable to process their refund until he was able to track down the merchandise. Eventually Dennis would cut off all correspondence with customers and pocket their money. The investigation into the wire fraud began after a disgruntled customer contacted law enforcement.
Best known as a member of the Houston-based group, Willie D started Relentless Music Ventures in 2006. If convicted, D faces up to 20 years in prison plus a $250,000 fine.
{source} Geto Boys' Willie D Faces 20 Years in Prison for iPhone Scam - The Boombox Music Blog box.com%2F2009%2F05%2F15%2Fgeto-boys-willie-d-faces-20-years-in-prison-for-iphone-scam%2F
